Tropical Storm warning for Grand Bahama and Abaco

A Tropical Storm warning remains in effect for Grand Bahama and Abaco in the northwest Bahamas, according to the latest update from the Department of Meteorology issued at 2 p.m. today on Tropical Storm Bret.

The slow moving Bret was at 2 p.m. located near latitude 28.1 degrees north and longitude 77.3 degrees west, or about 75 miles northeast of Cooper’s Town, Abaco.

Tropical Storm Bret is moving toward the north-northeast near six miles per hour, but its forward speed is expected to increase over the next couple of days, which will take the center of Bret away from The Bahamas, said Met Officer Geoffrey Greene.

Greene said that maximum sustained winds are near 50 miles per hour with higher gusts, and some increase in strength is forecast for the next day or so. Tropical storm winds extend outward up to 50 miles from the center.

“Because of the close proximity of Bret to Grand Bahama and Abaco residents should closely monitor the progress of this system,” he said.

Strong gusty winds, localized flooding in low lying areas and moderate to heavy swells can be expected throughout the day. Winds are expected to diminish later today as Bret begis to move away from the northwest Bahamas.

Greene said that small craft operators should remain in port and continue to monitor the progress of Bret.